Janelle Arnold, a 35-year-old teacher from Duclos School in Bonnyville, has been charged with sexual assault and sexual interference.
Arnold was arrested on September 6 following a report by a student’s parents to the RCMP about inappropriate contact. The allegations suggest that Arnold sexually assaulted the student in late August and subsequently offered money to the victim to remain silent.
Sexual interference charges are laid when police believe a suspect has touched a person who is under the age of consent — in Canada that’s under 16 years old — for a sexual purpose.
RCMP have clarified that the victim was neither a current student at Duclos School nor one of Arnold’s students.
Arnold has been released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on October 1.
Bonnyville RCMP said it’s reaching out to offer support and is encouraging anyone who may be a survivor to contact them at 780-343-7200.
